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I wasn't obese as a teen and hardly overweight either. so I personally would not have qualified or wanted to have surgery. I think the recovery would be hard on a teen and that bariatric surgery is not a good option for teens unless they are severely obese. Children should not be on diets either, in my opinion. I think a lot of my weight problems stem from going on a diet as a teen, even though I was not technically overweight. I developed an unhealthy relationship with food and started binge eating.

Here's my two cents: Obesity is a medical condition and bariatric surgery has proven to be the most successful long-term treatment option. I'm surprised that even among those of us that have had WLS, we sometimes still act like it was needed due to a lack of willpower or some sort of moral failure. We really have to get over that and acknowledge obesity as a disease state that sometimes requires surgical treatment. To me, it follows that many children also suffer from obesity and that it would be morally wrong to withhold effective treatments options. I wouldn't withhold cancer treatments from a child, so why would it be okay to withhold WLS from children if we know that it can effectively treat their disease state? Regarding all the comments about can a child understand the need or what's required long-term, that really feels like a red herring. Just like we all had to show that we were ready for surgery by jumping through various hoops like psych evals, nutrition visits, & documentation of past diet failures, I would expect the same to be true for children. Those children or parents that aren't ready would be disqualified, just like some people can't or won't complete all the requirements as adults.

Thank you for your response, it does make a lot of sense that it can be water weight. I had a tonsillectomy 12 days prior to my revision so I've had LOTS and LOTS of IV and fluids in the past month. As far as tracking my intake, I am terrible at it and not "tracking my calories". My surgeon more so suggested tracking protein rather than calories. I am still very early on (4 weeks today), so I am not eating a ton. Every meal I try to make it protein (eggs, ground chicken, etc).

Thank you for your words of encouragement! Sorry about your reflux, I can definitely say that the revision has completely corrected that issue for me, I wish you luck and hope all goes well. As far as my protein intake, I think I have been managing fairly well especially last week. Since I knew I was going to overexert myself I upped my protein and even reached 100g a couple of the days. I am still early on so I am limited on what I can/cant eat and I am terrified of dumping so I have stayed away from carbs and sugar altogether.

Hi! I am so sorry you are going through this. I am really surprised that your barium swallow test did not show anything if you are having such bad reflux. All of this is so frustrating. You go through the first surgery thinking that everything will be just fine and then find out something else has to be done, and then you have to fight with insurances and Dr.'s just to help you. I am lucky, I have amazing Dr.'s who have fought, I just don't have an insurance who will help me. I did not even know that the sleeve could cause reflux to get worse until I had a surgery consult in 2021. My reflux was slowly increasing since I was sleeved in 2015 and finally in 2020/2021 I could not take it any longer. Every night acid would come out of my nose, despite having an adjustable bed and practically sleeping sitting up, not eating or drinking 2-3 hours before bed. I was doing everything. I had an upper endoscopy that showed a hiatal hernia and I was referred to a surgeon. To my luck the surgeon was the leading bariatric surgeon in my region. He said that since I had the sleeve he could not fix my hernia that the only fix was to convert to the Bypass. I had no idea that was even an option, and he explained to me what was going on. I was blown away. He then sent me for the barium swallow. The radiologist said that she had never seen anyone with as bad reflux as I had. I refluxed the barium standing up! She had never seen that before. It was very clear what was needed and I was immediately fast-tracked through the Bariatric program since it had been so long since I had been through a program, and my first program was in a different area and through different insurance. Then came the brick wall. My insurance denied the surgery. They stated that my reflux was a complication from the first surgery, even though I had reflux prior to the surgery. I appealed and sent medical documentation to show I had reflux prior to the surgery and they still denied. I did 3 levels of appeal, and my surgeon also did a pier to pier review with the medical director with the insurance and they denied again. And I finally found out the real reason. I have my insurance through my husbands insurance through his work, and his company specifically excluded bariatric procedures, so bottom line, no matter the reason why I am getting the surgery they will not cover it because it is still coded as a bariatric surgery. And I have to now pay cash for the surgery. But it is worth it if it fixes the problem and I don't have to deal with the reflux! However this is my experience with my insurance. I hope you don't have the same experience with your insurance. Are there any other surgeons in your area? You are always free to get a second opinion. It is sad but sometimes you have to push Dr.'s to listen to you, and you have to be your own advocate and not wait for them. Please don't be afraid to fight for yourself and your health!!! I would think that they would take into consideration the medication that you have to take, and the conditions that the reflux is already causing. Good Luck!!!

Dec 5th was a few weeks ahead of me. I had a bypass on Dec 28th and I am curious how you all that had the surgery before me are doing? I am just now starting the phase 3 diet which is nice because I was getting really tired of soup and protein shakes. I sincerely hope that you all who went before me are getting exactly what you wanted out of your surgery. I am so looking forward to being healthy again. I played sports my entire life and lifted weights heavily in high school and college, I pray that there is some muscle memory there. It is still too early for me to start working out (other than walking) but I am so motivated to get in shape that I am counting the days until I can actually start to work out and lift and do sit ups etc.. What are some good meals that you have found that satisfy your cravings and fill you up? Any advice from you all who were a few weeks ahead of me would be appreciated. Good Luck all!

Hi DoOverGirl, I am also a newbie to the website, however not as far as surgery. I originally had the lapband in 2005 and after complications, in 2010 went to bypass. My highest weight was 290 and my lowest was 130, I am 5'7". I had only lost 82lbs with the lapband and was very happy with the weight loss after having the bypass. Currently, I am 168lbs and have severe reflux and my taste is so off that I find it difficult to eat just about anything. I am currently in the process of going through the steps for a revision surgery also. My doctor did say that I could lose some weight, I should not expect it to be like it was. Although I don't want to get back to 130lbs, I would be happy to get down to 145-150 as I think I would be comfortable there. Back to your complaint and issues. I am wondering if you are not taking in enough protein in order to lose more weight. I have noticed that when I think I am doing well with my eating, I really am not getting enough protein. When I pay attention to my protein intake and leave out the carbs, I start to lose weight again. I know how frustrating this must be for you and I am also concerned that after I have a revision, I will not lose any weight either. However, I am trying to focus on alleviating my symptoms of discomfort more than the possibility to lose weight. I understand your frustration but be patient with yourself, stay positive, and keep pushing forward. You can do it!

Ok, so I have been obese just about my entire life. Here is my take, obesity is a problem at all ages and comes with a plethora of other issues. (mental and physical) But, lets think about us as adults for a minute, how much there is to understand. The rules, the regulations, the understanding of nutrition, counting calories, monitoring protein and fluid intakes, being sure to take all our vitamins... etc! Now, as a child do you think you could keep up with that? Do you think we could have even understood the seriousness of all of it? Of what could happen if we don't take vitamins and become deficient in something? Even, the potential complications from surgery short term or life long? As a child, I feel like it would be up to the parents to monitor and regulate foods, vitamins and comprehend everything that the child would have to maintain. So, why doesn't the parent just do that before surgery is required? If the parent is prepared to do that after surgery than why haven't they before surgery is even needed? If healthy habits are established at the parenting level then they (parents) already understand healthy diets and regulation of calories etc. Which in turn would naturally be passed down to their children. I am not saying this is perfect and some kids refuse to eat anything but mac n cheese.. but those kids aren't going to succeed with WLS anyway if that is the case so why? If the parents do NOT understand healthy eating habits, then how are they prepared to help their child any differently after surgery? As adults, we fail and we have the capacity to understand why. I just don't believe a child is able to maintain this lifestyle without a parents who are prepared to basically do the same exact thing. Although, I do believe some children may really need the help of WLS I just do not believe they can maintain it without the parent taking complete control (up to a certain age). Me as a child or teen I really don't think so. When WLS first became a thing, my best friends dad had bypass and it damn near killed him. He went from 700 lbs to around 100 and in a wheel chair in less than a year. Everything that could have went wrong did. Life long complications. I remember it scared the **** out of me! I remember it was a sole reason I waited so long to have surgery myself. Every time I considered it, he crossed my mind. He was the only person I knew for years that had it and it destroyed him. Then, as time went on I knew other people but literally NONE of them were successful. For whatever reason, lost and gained it all back, didn't loose, didn't follow the plan, didn't understand. I don't know but I know that every story I was aware of was not a positive one. Then my doctor actually suggested it, I started looking into it again. Researched the best surgeon around, researched every potential risk, benefit. Read for months on these forums and every article I could find online. Talked to people I knew, and had very transparent conversations about why they didn't succeed. I learned, and realized that I wasn't those people and decided to move forward. Here I am, 9.5 months later. Kicking a**. But me as a teen, I don't think so. I don't think teens are mature enough(and I was a VERY mature teen) to deal with all the changes and I don't think the parents are prepared to take control or they already would have.

In terms of protein shakes, I don't recommend getting a giant bag/tub of protein as your tastebuds might change after your surgery. Get pre-made ones & I cannot recommend Fairlife protein shakes enough! They cost a bit more per serving vs powder protein but in terms of taste they're A+ I've tried both their 26g protein & their 30g protein versions & they're both delicious.

I had revision to bypass on 12/13/22 due to GERD/acid reflux that also caused some regain. Recovery for me was a lot worse than sleeve, but thankfully that sounds uncommon so please do not get nervous reading my story; I only tell it to share my experience. I was scheduled for outpatient surgery, but had to be admitted for one night to the hospital due to not coming out of the anesthesia quickly, an abnormal EKG post-surgery and low blood pressure issues. I spent about 8 hours in post-op recovery and was finally admitted when I didn't improve. I suspect the difference in recovery had to do with the first surgery being done at my doctor's clinic, while the bypass was performed at a hospital (insurance requirement) so same doctor, different surgical team/anesthesiologist. I was given something pre-anesthesia which the nurse told me can make coming out of anesthesia more difficult. I requested that they not give it to me, but I was asleep before the mask went on my nose, so I suspect I was given it even though the nurse told the anesthesiologist I didn't want it. I was also given fentanyl in post-op, which I would not have approved had I been awake enough to object to it. I guess it is common in emergency rooms, but I was not happy to hear them saying they were administering it to me while I was mostly asleep. I also got a corneal abrasion during surgery, which caused intense pain and watering in my left eye in post-op. They gave me drops for it and it calmed it down. Other than these issues, my post-op stay at the hospital was great - I had an amazing team of nurses that seemed like they were dedicated only to my care. Comparing to my sleeve post-op, for that surgery I was released same day just hours after surgery and aside from being sleepy for a day or two, I had no post-op issues except for constipation, which I have not had with bypass. I had a JP drain for 1 week post-surgery. I continued to have low BP for a few weeks post-surgery and very little energy. I didn't eat much for the first 2 weeks (I completely overbought on the liquids and puree foods). I was able to get my water in no problem. I wasn't able to stomach the protein shakes until week 3, they just gave me nausea. At about the 3-week mark I suddenly recovered one day from both the low BP and low energy, and now I am feeling amazing. Aside from a little heart burn a few days out of surgery I have not had any GERD/acid reflux, thank god! So far with bypass I have not regained my hunger pangs yet (yay! hope that lasts a while) and am down 20 lbs, compared to having lost 18 lbs my first month post-sleeve. I'm very happy I had the revision surgery at this point. Try to not feel frustrated, my doc told me many people need a revision, especially with GERD. I didn't realize just how much it affected my sleep, eating, daily life until it went away. Such a relief to have it gone! I wish you the best of luck in your surgery!

If you’ve seen today’s news, the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending WLS as an option for teens who have struggled with obesity. The comments online are mostly negative. If you were obese as a teen, and surgery had been an option for you as a teen (money is a whole other story…), would you have taken it?

Update: The latest return label is back to BP Store! Thank you! 😀👍🏻 Unfortunately, the newer boxes being used (Netrition) have a larger Bariatric Pal printing…sigh…at least there are a couple other brands listed next to it. So it’s harder to assume. I would love a plain shipping option.

There are lots of diet plans, both pre and post WLS so it's hard to say exactly what you should do. Personal preferences also play into this a lot. I'd recommend talking to your team as they will have the best info regarding their plan and what they want you to do. As far as protein drink recommendations, I prefer the Fairlife Nutrition Plan pre-made shakes to most others. On the exercise front, sounds like you have a decent plan already, but I'd add a couple of things: Squats are great, but don't neglect your upper body or core. If you can, add in some planks, side planks, pushups and pullups. All of these can be modified to where you're at physically. For example, if you can't do a regular pushup, start with wall pushups. Progress to an elevated surface such as a bench, then move on to a pushup on your knees, etc. Make sure you keep in mind that you want to keep progressing in both the strength and cardio work. So maybe instead of walking just a mile and quitting, try to extend that a few minutes this week, then do a few more minutes next week, etc. Work up to 45 minutes to an hour a day. Instead of just increasing time, you can also vary your pace with walking "intervals". This would be maybe 30 seconds of all-out walking as fast as you can, followed by 2-3 minutes of a more normal pace to recover. Over time, make the all-out push last longer and/or shorten the recovery period.

So I am needing some tips and advice for food and protein shakes for when I start and exercising tips I have already started walking a mile everyday except yesterday and doing 20-25 squats everytime I take a little break.

10 weeks post mini bypass and I cannot seem to eat anything as majority of food has an off putting of odour attached to it living on plain biscuits and coffee made with frothed protein milk anyone else experience this , very very disenchanted , have tried loads of foods but nothing is working

No way! Your sugar "slip" is being NORMAL. Hair loss, from surgery? Again, NORMAL. It took me 3 years to get to have surgery. I weighed 357 at my highest and was treated like it was 753 lbs. I went down 27 lbs on my own. However, I had asthma all my life and my body HURT. I retired from a job I LOVED for 25 years due to fears of working in a COVID spread environment and in order to deal with my weight. My pcp gave me phentermine to reach the arbitrary 315 lbs hurdle goal to get into surgery. Now, 6 weeks post op TODAY, it hurts to eat, I HATE protein shakes and it feels like I'm starving. Still, I feel immensely HAPPY. I am grateful for the surgery! I lost 30 first 2 weeks post op, then nothing more and gained back 4 lbs. Yet, I know it's a blip. You lost weight! You lost 60 pounds! That's like putting down a kid who piggy backed on you for however long. You're sixty pounds LIGHTER. Your hair will grow back! EAT foods high iron, biotin, and vitamins for hair skin and nails. My sister went through same and 5 years later she's back to normal, hair and all. She gains a little on holiday's but goes right back to losing what she gained with more activity and WATER. You are NORMAL. Enjoy what you've accomplished! Plus I just read people with surgery are living LONGER!!!😎🤟

I finally got a surgery date of Feb. 7th. It has been an interesting journey! I initially went to a doctor to see what could be done for my severe GERD. I have been battling it for about 6 years and I now have a raw throat all of the time. I had a scope done and it showed I also had a hiatal hernia. My doctor referred me to a surgeon. At the meeting with the surgeon he told me that as severe as my hiatal hernia, GERD/reflux is that the best surgery option is gastric bypass. I was a little hesitant but after talking to him for about an hour I understood why this is the best option. After meeting with a nutritionist and getting my psychiatrist eval done I finally got my surgery approved from my insurance. Just wondering if there are any of you getting the same surgery done in Feb.? <a href=''><img src='https://www.bariatricpal.com/tickers/425374-teresa-eschenbaum/bodyweight.png/?ts=1672857590'></a>

Hi there this is probably a common issue with weight loss surgery. I am almost 2 years post op from a bypass and really have zero complaints ..but stopped exercising over 4 months ago and became more lenient on my food choices and ended up gaining 7 lbs over the last 6 months.. The issue is once you see a slight gain it seems hard to lose an ounce of weight. I’ve downloaded a weight loss app and started monitoring my daily calories, water intake and exercise with no luck so far. I’m curious how others out there who encountered this situation were able to restart there weight loss. What apps are you using? Did you continue using the protein shakes? I feel responsible here but want to stop it before the weight creeps up anymore.. I made a huge decision to get the surgery and it really helped me out but as the surgeon stated it was only a tool that we ultimately have to do the hard work to keep the weight off! I appreciate everyone’s feedback on this issue! Michelle

I have had a difficult time with pain after eating yet felt like I was starving. The protein drinks were making me gag and I stopped drinking them. I knew I had to get protein so I began drinking Fairlife and eating Oikos 15 gram protein yogurts as well as canned chicken. I eat very small amounts of food but I'm just wondering when will the pain go away? I feel most of the pain is at the stomach entry. I CHEW CHEW CHEW too. Even liquids hurt. I keep a lot of ice packs in the freezer because I need it on my stomach all day. Feeling anxious. Any advice is appreciated.

Unfortunately, my surgery has now become self pay. I have bcbs of Florida and they refuse to cover anything bariatric. Because my fistula is from the previous gastric bypass, they will not cover it. I have exhausted every option. Sent from my SM-G973U using BariatricPal mobile app

The first thing my doctor said was that my BMI was at 31 and that insurance would not approve me. Then she brought up another procedure called Lynx. Some kind of magnetic bead thing that would keep the opening of your stomach closed unless things passed through. I don’t want it. I had the lapband and it’s was the worst and I feel like anything they put in your body that can be removed, it’s not going to help me. My bariatric doctor thinks I have a small hiatal hernia. They took me into radiology and made me drink the dye, but everything looked normal. In a week they are going to look down my throat to see if there is in fact a hernia. I have new insurance this year, but it’s still the same company. If I don’t have a hernia, I’m going to push for the revision or any other options. I can’t keep taking anti acids multiple times a day on top of vitamins, medications, etc.

Thank you for your insight. I'm only on here off & on but hadn't seen anything on it either. Perhaps I'm a 'one off' kind of situation. Pasta is tough for me too- just a couple of bites of that. Although I can eat the pasta protein meals found in the Bariatric Pal store just fine. And they are pretty tasty too!

Thank you for your response. Even a small amount makes me vomit & my stomach very uncomfortable. It generally smells good though. I’m able to get my protein through yogurt, cheeses, protein lemon tea…. Wondering how common it is to develop an inability to eat meat.

I'm post-op 10/19. Stalled 2 weeks then bam down 4.5#. Down 40#. After 7 weeks it has jumped by at least 3#. Patience. I'm on regular food now and using Myfitness to see how much protein fat, calories and carbs I'm getting.

Still managing soreness. Luckily not too much pain. Belly button is tender and abdomen is bloated and stiff to the touch. All this appears normal, I spoke with my nurse. But what are peoples experience getting their liquids down? Today I finished 1 protein shake and probably had 30 oz of hydrating liquids. But when I take my sips it feels like my stomach cramps a little, or there's some tightness in my chest. In guessing this is normal so close to being post op, but it's very annoying and makes me not what to eat lol.